Compartmentalized refrigerant wrap

ABSTRACT

An elongated sheet having repeating compartments and intermittent sections placed after any repeating compartment. The repeating compartments are closed membranes encasing refrigerant therein. Alternatively, the repeating compartments may be disposed with pockets for releasably retaining the refrigerant. The intermittent sections are flat in cross section and provide holes along its sides for creating a passageway therethrough. The holes may be strengthened using a grommet or the like. In use, one elongate sheet is secured to other elongated sheets in any various end-to-end and/or side-to-side combinations for creating a modular blanket of refrigerant. The sheets are secured to one another by hooks or other known means in which holes in one sheet are connected to various holes in another sheet. The refrigerant blanket may then be placed around the exterior of a large quantity of perishable goods for maintaining the temperature of the sensitive goods.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to refrigerant or cooling devices and,more particularly, to a compartmentalized refrigerant device thatprovides a unique modular construction for creating a blanket ofrefrigerant for maintaining the temperature of a large quantity ofperishable goods.

II. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In the food and pharmaceutical industry, products comprising variousfoods and pharmacy supplies are packaged and shipped all around theworld. The problem presented to the industry is that some food andpharmaceutical products must be maintained at specific temperaturesduring the transport or the products will be become spoiled or tainted.

Currently, there exists many devices in the marketplace for controllingthe temperature of sensitive goods during transportation. While thesedevices are useful for specific packaging, they do not solve the problemof maintaining the temperature of large quantities of goods beingtransported using a skid or pallet.

For example, the prior art devices used to wrap around the productdisclose at least two categories: (1) devices that are used to wrap orcover a desired item such as keg, cooler, and other types of containersin order to maintain a hot or cold temperature for the desired item; or(2) devices that are used to wrap or cover the anatomy of a human oranimal for the treatment of various types of injuries.

With respect to category (1), the prior art includes U.S. Pat. Nos.6,223,551; 6,128,915; 6,036,047; 5,595,069; 5,361,605; 5,361,603;5,313,809; 5,237,838; 4,989,418; 986,089: 4,892,226; 4,413,481;4,399,668; 4,324,111; and 4,311,022. Each of these patents disclosedevices which consist of wraps that contain hot or cold packs and aredesigned to be wrapped around or encase items such as a keg, cooler, orother food and beverage container. These devices also retain items suchas drugs, sensitive cosmetics, and the like. The devices are attached tothe desired item using hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro, adhesive,belt (e.g., the U.S. Pat. No. 4,413,481 Patent), or button and hole,snaps, zippers, ziplocks, and the like (e.g., the U.S. Pat. No.4,399,668 Patent or the U.S. Pat. No. 4,311,022 Patent).

Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,164 ('164 Patent) discloses an ice chest wrapthat is used with a pre-existing ice chest for providing increasedinsulation in a manner which reduces ice melt time. The ice chest wrapis of a shape and size to be wrapped completely around the exteriorsurface of four side walls of the ice chest. The ice chest wrap furtherincludes at least one pocket 34 for storing an article such as eatingutensils and the like or a pocket or compartment 36 which may be usedfor containment of frozen gel inserts such as are well known in the art.

Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 5,934,100 ('100 Patent) discloses a beverage kegcooling jacket or apparatus for encasing and cooling various sizedbeverage kegs. The cooling jacket is adapted to retain refrigerateablegel packs in receptacles or pockets 30 which are integrally embodied inthe jacket and form two rows of parallel pockets positionedsubstantially symmetrical about the longitudinal central axis of thejacket. The two symmetrical rows of paired parallel vertical pocketsextend from the bottom and the top of the beverage keg. The coolingjacket wraps around the keg and is held in place by fasteners at the endof the jacket.

None of the above patents, however, discloses or teaches the devicesbeing used in any combination(s) to form a blanket or cover lying over apallet containing a large quantity of perishable goods. Even in the '164Patent and the '100 Patent, the disclosed wraps would be rendereduseless in an orientation over the top of the container as this wouldprohibit access to the goods being wrapped and cooled (i.e., the icechest is opened through the top and the beverage keg is tapped throughthe top).

With respect to category (2), the prior art includes U.S. Patents andPatent Applications US2004/0244413; US2003/0163182; US2002/0043218; U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,887,437; 5,840,080; 5,641,325; 5,409,500; 5,304,216;5,020,711; 5,005,374; H759; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,846,176; 4,700,706;4,688,572; and 4,585,003. Each of these patents discloses devices whichconsists of holders that contain hot or cold packs and are designed tobe applied to various muscles and limbs of the human or animal anatomy.The devices are wrapped around a desired muscle or limb (i.e., treatmentarea) using hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro or adhesive. If thehot or cold pack holder is not able to completely wrap around thetreatment area, multiple holders can be attached together using elasticbands of greater length which have hook and loop fasteners on theirends. An example is illustrated in U.S. Patent 5,020,711.

Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,487 ('487 Patent) discloses a body wrap withpockets for pliable frozen composition which maintains a thermal pack inheat transfer to the human anatomy. Each pocket in the thermal packcontains a quantity of liquid and filler particles which, when theliquid is frozen solid, produces a pliable thermal pack which conformsto contoured surfaces of the human body. The flexible wrap is held inplace by Velcro fasteners.

Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,247 ('247 Patent) discloses a multi-pockettherapeutic anatomical wrap which includes pockets disposed on the innerside of the wrap for receiving gel packs. The width of the pockets aredimensioned such that the outermost pockets are disposed adjacent themedial and lateral sides of a knee of an average adult. Again, Velcrotype fasteners hold the wrap in place.

With respect to the second category of patents, the disclosed wraps arelimited for use with the human anatomy and, therefore, are not adaptablefor use with a skid, pallet, or other larger shipping forms forperishable goods.

Accordingly, none of these patents disclose or teach a compartmentalizedwrap having a plurality of refrigerant sections along with isolatedsections which provide means for enabling multiple compartmentalizedwraps to be attached to one another in various combinations, thereby,creating a blanket of refrigerant for maintaining the temperature of askid, pallet, or other large quantity of sensitive perishables.

Thus, there is a need and there has never been disclosed Applicant'sunique compartmentalized wrap for use with pallets containingtemperature sensitive products.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an elongated sheet having repeatingcompartments and intermittent sections placed after any repeatingcompartment. In the first embodiment, the repeating compartments areclosed membranes encasing refrigerant therein. In the second embodiment,the repeating compartments may be disposed with pockets for releasablyretaining the refrigerant. The intermittent sections are flat in crosssection and have holes disposed along its sides for creating apassageway therethrough. The holes may be strengthened using a grommetor the like. In use, one elongated sheet is secured to other elongatedsheets in any various end-to-end and/or side-to-side combinations forcreating a modular blanket of refrigerant. The sheets are secured to oneanother by hooks or other known means connecting holes in one sheet tovarious holes in another sheet. The refrigerant blanket may then beplaced around the exterior of a large quantity of perishable goods formaintaining the temperature of the sensitive goods.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Description of the Preferred Embodiment will be better understoodwith reference to the following figures:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the compartmentalized wrap as depicted in asingle sheet.

FIG. 1 a is a cross sectional view, taken along line 1 a-1 a of FIG. 1,of the compartmentalized wrap.

FIG. 1 b is a cross sectional view, taken along line 1 b-1 b of FIG. 1a, of an individual compartment.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an alternate embodiment of the compartmentalizedwrap as depicted in a single sheet.

FIG. 3 is a top view of another alternate embodiment of thecompartmentalized wrap as depicted in a double sheet.

FIG. 4 is a top view of another alternate embodiment of thecompartmentalized wrap in which the individual compartments may beselectively filled with a refrigerant pack.

FIG. 4 a is a cross sectional view, taken along line 4 a-4 a of FIG. 4,of the compartmentalized wrap.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a single pocket construction for the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4, of adouble pocket construction for the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a quadruple pocket construction forthe concept illustrated in FIG. 4 of the compartmentalized wrap.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the various embodiments coacting with oneanother to form a blanket of refrigerant for a pallet.

FIG. 9 is a top and side view of the various embodiments for creating amodular construction of a blanket of refrigerant.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the further embodiments for creating a modularconstruction of a blanket of refrigerant.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a compartmentalized wrap20. The compartmentalized wrap 20 is an elongated sheet of repeatingcompartments 22 with intermittent empty sections 24. In this embodiment,the intermittent empty sections 24 are spaced after each thirdsuccessive repeating compartment 22. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the intermittent empty sections 24 may be spaced after each andevery compartment 22. Preferably, the top view and the bottom view ofthe compartmentalized wrap 20 are a mirror image of one another. Thecompartmentalized wrap 20 is preferably made of a durable plastic orrubber. Alternatively, the compartmentalized wrap 20 may be made of anyflexible material that has thermal insulating properties.

The compartments 22 have a top surface 26, a bottom surface 28, and anexterior perimeter defined by sides 30, 32, 34 and 36. The sides 30, 32,34, and 36 integrally mold the top surface 26 to the bottom surface 28along their perimeter, thereby, forming an enclosed membrane 38, asillustrated in FIG. 1 a.

Located within the enclosed membrane 38 is a refrigerant 40, asillustrated in FIG. 1 b. In the preferred embodiment, the refrigerant 40is a specially formulated leak-proof, viscous gel refrigerant which ismade of non-toxic, non-caustic materials and hermetically sealed in aheavy-duty plastic pouch. The preferred refrigerant product is made byPolar Tech Industries located in Genoa, Ill. under the ICE-BRIXtrademarks. Alternatively, it is contemplated that, if desired, not allof the compartments 22 need to be filled with refrigerant 40 as only thetotal number as necessary to maintain the required temperature arefilled.

Prior to using the refrigerant 40, the gel is conditioned to the desiredtemperature (i.e. hot, warm, cold, or frozen) to maintain the perishablegoods at its desired temperature and parameters. For example, to providea refrigerant 40 that is frozen, the refrigerant 40 must be placed intoa freezer to convert the liquid gel into a frozen gel that will be usedto absorb the heat which will enter or surround the perishable goods.

The empty sections 24 are preferably flat in cross section and extendoutwardly from the side 36 of the last successive repeating compartment22 to the side 32 of the next adjacent or beginning compartment 22 forthe next repeating group of compartments 22.

Situated along opposite edges in each empty section 24 along theexterior perimeter of the compartmentalized wrap 20 are holes 42. In thepreferred embodiment the holes 42 may be formed using a punch throughthe empty section 24, a grommet, or any other means known to one skilledin the art such that the holes 42 provide a clear unobstructedpassageway through the empty section 24.

Referring to FIG. 3, the alternate embodiment of the compartmentalizedscrap 20 is illustrated in a double sheet configuration. In thisembodiment, the compartments 22, refrigerant 40, empty sections 24, andthe holes 42 remain the same as in the original embodiment. Thedifference is that, in this embodiment, the compartmentalized wrap 20 isformed from a double sheet configuration using a bridging section 44. Inessence, the bridging section 44 is a seal that attaches one singlesheet to a second single sheet.

Referring to FIG. 4, another alternate embodiment of thecompartmentalized wrap 20 is illustrated and referred to as thecompartmentalized wrap 45. In this embodiment, the holes 42 and bridgingsection 44 remain the same as in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3.Also, while the compartmentalized wrap 45 is depicted in an elongateddouble sheet, it is contemplated that it may likewise be used in asingle sheet configuration, triple sheet configuration, or any otherconfiguration available to one skilled in the art. The additionalfeatures of this embodiment are enumerated below.

The compartmentalized wrap 45 consists of repeating pocket sections 46.The repeating pocket sections 46 have a pocket top surface 48, a pocketbottom surface 50 (FIG. 4 a), and an exterior perimeter defined by sides52, 54, 56, and 58. The sides 54, 56, and 58 integrally mold the pockettop surface 48 to the pocket bottom surface 50 along this perimeter,thereby, forming an enclosure along these sides. This construction isdiscussed in greater detail later in the specification in reference toFIGS. 5-7. As illustrated in FIG. 4 a, the pocket top surface 48 andpocket bottom surface 50 remain separated along side 52 (FIG. 4),thereby, forming an opening 60 accessible from side 52 between theoverlap as described herein. The combination of the enclosure formed bysides 54, 56, 58 and the opening 60 create the means of the pocketsection 46 for receiving and releasably retaining refrigerant 40 withinthe compartmentalized wrap 45. If desired, the entire sheet of pocketsections 46 of the compartmentalized wrap 45 may contain refrigerant 40.Alternatively, it is contemplated that, if desired, not all of thepocket sections 46 need to be filled with refrigerant 40 as only thetotal number as necessary to maintain the required temperature arefilled. In alternate embodiments, however, the opening 60 may beaccessible using slits 79 adjacent to and parallel sides 56 or 54, asillustrated in FIG. 8; or side 52 may remain open or utilize a ziplocmeans to access the opening 60.

As illustrated, each sheet of compartmentalized wrap 45 is formed ofpocket sections 46 that are preferably one-hundred and forty-four inches(144″) in length by twenty-four inches (24″) in width with each pocketsection 46 being substantially identical to one another at approximately9.6″×12″ inches. Alternatively, it is contemplated that one skilled inthe art may utilize any variation in size of the compartmentalized wrap45 to accomplish the intended use of this invention.

As illustrated, each pocket section 46 of the compartmentalized wrap 45may utilize a single pocket, as illustrated in FIG. 5; a double pocket,as illustrated in FIG. 6; and/or a four pocket, as illustrated in FIG.7.

In forming the construction of the single pocket, the pocket top surface48 is divided into a cover section 62 and a flap 64. The planar area ofthe cover section 62 of the pocket top surface 48 is aligned over aslightly larger planar area of the pocket bottom surface 50. In thisalignment, the cover section 62 and pocket bottom surface 50 begin toform sides 54. 56, and 58. Once properly aligned, these sides of thecover section 62 are ultrasonically welded, glued, or otherwise sealedto the respective sides of the pocket bottom surface 50. The planar areaof the flap 64 is likewise aligned over a portion of the cover section62. opposite side 56, where it creates an overlap 76 (FIG. 4) with thecover section 62. The flap 64 is ultrasonically welded, glued, orotherwise sealed to the respective sides of the pocket bottom surface 50for completing the formation of sides 52, 54, and 58. As a result, thecover section 62, the flap 64, and the bottom section 50 are entirelyglued or fused to one another along the sides 52,54, 56, and 58 of thepocket section 46. This combination is what creates opening 60 and thesingle pocket construction. The overlap 76 between the flap 64 and coversection 62 creates a spacing 78 (FIG. 5) between them for access intothe opening 60 and to provide the means for inserting or removing therefrigerant 40 from the pocket sections 46. The holes 42 are thencreated as previously described. In this configuration, the pocketsection 46 generally ranges from a width of eight inches (8″) totwenty-four inches (24″) in increments of four inches.

Alternatively, the single pocket may be constructed in any other meansor combination as would be known to one skilled in the art provided thatone side of the pocket section 46 remains open and the other threeadjoining sides form a sealed enclosure.

In forming the construction of the double pocket, as illustrated in FIG.6, the pocket section 46 is formed using two flaps 64 located atopposite ends of the cover section 62 in relation to the pocket bottomsurface 50. Using the same means as describe above, the flaps 64 and thecover section 62 are affixed to the pocket bottom surface 50 forcreating two pockets 60. In this configuration, the pocket section 46has a width of substantially eighteen inches (18″).

Likewise, in forming the construction of the quadruple pocket, asillustrated in FIG. 7, four pockets 60 are created using two coversections 62, three flaps 64, and a pocket bottom surface 50. In thisconfiguration, the pocket section 46 is formed having preferably a widthof thirty-two inches (32″), forty-eight inches (48″), or sixty inches(60″).

Alternatively, it is contemplated that the pocket section 46 may be anywidth to accomplish the intended purpose of this invention and as usedby one of ordinary skill in the art. The dimensions provided herein arethe most convenient given the sizes of typical skids, pallets, or otherlarge quantities of perishable goods.

In use and as illustrated in FIG. 8, the single sheet, the double sheet,and the compartmentalized wrap 45 may be used in any end-to-end and/orside-to-side combination with one another to form a modular refrigerantblanket for covering an entire quantity of perishable goods. Asdepicted, the single sheets are identified by references 68; the doublebag sheets are identified by references 70; and the compartmentalizedwrap 45 are identified by references 72.

Each of the single sheets, the double sheets, and the compartmentalizedwrap 45 are secured to one another using any means known to one skilledin the art. As shown, the sheets are secured by ties 74. Alternatively,the sheets could be secured using bungee cords rope, hooks, velcro, etc.In this manner, upon placing any refrigerant sheet adjacent a secondrefrigerant sheet, a tie 74 can be inserted through the hole 42 of thefirst refrigerant sheet and routed back up and through the hole 42 ofthe second refrigerant sheet such that the ends of the tie 74 can betwisted in relation to one another, thereby, securing the refrigerantsheets together. In the preferred embodiment, the refrigerant sheetswill be secured to one another when sufficient ties 74 have been used.

Depending upon the required temperature to be maintained for theperishable goods, a strategy may be used in the combination of sheets toform the modular refrigerant blanket. For example, refrigerant 40 may beused in each and every compartment 22 or pocket 60 or only used in asufficient number of compartments 22 or pockets 60 as determined tomaintain the required temperature of the perishable goods.

Alternatively, it is contemplated that any other means known to oneskilled in the art may be used instead of holes for securing the singlesheets, double sheets, and/or compartmentalized wraps together forforming the various combinations of the device. In a non-limitingexample using adjacent panels #1 and #2, as illustrated in FIG. 9, thisincludes using buttons 80 as secured within button slots 81, male snaps83 as secured within female snaps 82, hooks 85 as secured to loopfasteners 84 such as Velcro, male locking fasteners 86 as secured tofemale locking fasteners 87 in a Ziploc style fastening; and asillustrated in FIG. 10, stitching, stapling 89, and/or heat fusing 88the overlapping ends of the panels of the device.

Thus, there has been provided a unique modular refrigerant blanketcreated by,connecting a combination of sheets that provide a pluralityof having flexibility for receiving increased amounts of refrigerant formaintaining the temperature of various sized quantities of perishablegoods. While the invention has been described in conjunction withspecific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it in intendedto embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fallwithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A device for maintaining the temperature of perishable goods,comprising: an elongated sheet having repeating compartments with anintermittent section placed at one end of any successive number ofrepeating compartments, the elongated sheet defining a length and havingopposed sides; refrigerant secured within at least one of the repeatingcompartments; a plurality of holes formed through the intermittentsection; and means for connecting at least one of the plurality of holesfrom a first elongated sheet to at least one of a plurality of holesfrom a second elongated sheet placed adjacent to the first elongatedsheet.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the compartments are closedpockets for retaining the refrigerant therein.
 3. The device of claim 1wherein the intermittent section has a width with opposed sides alignedwith the opposed sides of the elongated sheet.
 4. The device of claim 3wherein the plurality of holes are disposed on each of the opposed sidesof the intermittent section.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein theintermittent sections are substantially flat along their cross section.6. The device of claim 1 wherein the elongated sheet is made of adurable plastic.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the elongated sheet ismade of rubber.
 8. The device of claim 1 and further comprising agrommet placed in the plurality of holes for increased strength.
 9. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the successive number of repeatingcompartments is in the range of one to five.
 10. The device of claim 1wherein the device further comprises a second elongated sheet having alength and opposed sides integrally formed with the elongated sheetalong one of the opposed sides of the elongated sheet.
 11. The device ofclaim 10 wherein the second elongated sheet is created by a bridgingseal along the corresponding sides of the elongated sheet and secondelongated sheet.
 12. The device of claim 1 wherein the means forconnecting at least one of the plurality of holes from a first elongatedsheet to at least one of a plurality of holes from a second elongatedsheet placed adjacent to the elongated sheet is selected from the groupconsisting of a tie, bungee cord, rope, hooks, and fasteners.
 13. Adevice for maintaining the temperature of perishable goods, comprising:an elongated sheet having repeating compartments, the elongated sheethaving a length and having opposed sides; an opening formed in at leastone of the repeating compartments; refrigerant releasably retainedwithin at least one of the repeating compartments, the refrigerantdeposited into or removed from the repeating compartments through theopening; a plurality of holes formed through the opposed sides of theelongated sheet; means for connecting at least one of the plurality ofholes from the elongated sheet to at least one of a plurality of holesfrom a second elongated sheet which is placed adjacent to the elongatedsheet.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the compartments have foursides and are integrally molded along three of the four sides.
 15. Thedevice of claim 13 and further comprising a grommet placed in theplurality of holes for increased strength.
 16. The device of claim 13and further comprising a flap covering the opening.
 17. The device ofclaim 13 wherein the device further comprises a second elongated sheethaving a length and opposed sides integrally formed with the elongatedsheet along one of the opposed sides of the elongated sheet.
 18. Thedevice of claim 13 wherein the means for connecting at least one of theplurality of holes from the elongated sheet to at least one of aplurality of holes from a second elongated sheet placed adjacent to theelongated sheet is selected from the group consisting of a tie, bungeecord, rope, hooks, and fasteners.
 19. The device of claim 13 wherein theelongated sheet is made of a flexible plastic material.
 20. A device formaintaining the temperature of perishable goods, comprising: anelongated sheet having repeating compartments, each compartment having atop surface and a bottom surface, the exterior of the top surfaceaffixed to the exterior of the bottom surface for forming an enclosureand defining a spacing within the enclosure; an opening formed into theenclosure for accessing the spacing; refrigerant inserted through theopening for being releasably retained within the spacing of theenclosure; a plurality of holes formed in the elongated sheet; and meansfor connecting at least one of the plurality of holes from the elongatedsheet to at least one of a plurality of holes in a second substantiallyidentical elongated sheet which is placed adjacent to the elongatedsheet.
 21. A device for creating a blanket from a modular constructionof sheets for covering an entire quantity of perishable goods andmaintaining the temperature of the perishable goods, comprising: anelongated sheet having at least one compartment, the compartment havinga top surface and a bottom surface, the exterior of the top surfaceaffixed to the exterior of the bottom surface for forming an enclosureand defining a spacing within the enclosure; means for regulating thetemperature of the perishable goods; means for retaining the means forregulating the temperature of the perishable goods within the spacing ofthe enclosure; and means for connecting the elongated sheet to a secondsubstantially identical elongated sheet which is placed adjacent to theelongated sheet for creating the blanket.
 22. The device of claim 21wherein the means for connecting the elongated sheet to a secondsubstantially identical elongated sheet which is placed adjacent to theelongated sheet is selected from the group consisting of holes that areconnected using fasteners, buttons and button slots, snaps, hook andloop fasteners, locking fasteners, stitches, staples, and heat fusion.